In the Spirit of the Season

[annmarieda]

What a terrific morning for the two of you!! The happiness on Zoe's face all morning must have been a pleasure for you. Although it would have been nice to see your eyes, I think you look lovely in your picture; my hair usually is pulled into a messy bun.

I agree the days closer to Christmas grew crazier and crazier. I really enjoyed our Christmas trip, but I am not anxious to return at that time.

It was so nice. Zoe was feeling a lot better that day so it was just a nice morning. My eyes... yeah... I must have been squinting.

I am with you... not anxious to return at that time. It was a definite must do... I mean, the castle is AMAZING all decorated. However, the crowds

 

[annmarieda]

Traveling Back to before the Age of Technology Wasnt on MY Itinerarary

With the guys made their way to the park. They went on BTMRR and then to Splash where they would be meeting us. Zoe and I were seated on a ledge under the train tracks (near the fast pass to Splash entrance) I was texting back and forth to Steve and rather than putting my phone away in between texts, I set it down next to me. I actually told myself “that is a dumb idea, you are going to forget that” To which I then told myself (yes, I have conversations entirely by myself) “Now that you have noted it, you will pay attention so it is fine” Well, the guys walked up and we went on our merry way. So I got to tell myself “I told you so” but not right away.

We walked over to Tom Sawyer Island. Zoe and I both love it here. We have spent some time here each trip waiting for someone. When I started taking pictures, I realized that my phone was no longer with me. THEN I told myself “I told you so” (you would have though I could have pipped up a bit sooner) I left everyone on the island and said I would run back because I know EXACTLY where I left it.

Here is one of the pictures I took before I realized the error I had made. I just love it... notice her little pink converse?

I ran back and searched. It couldn’t have been more than 15 minutes. However, it was now gone. I asked the cm at the fp entrance and he told me to go to City Hall. No longer having a way to call and track down my family, I was not sure what to do. On one hand, I told them I was going back to the Splash Mountain area. On the other, even if we were both in that area we might not find each other. I decided to run to City Hall. (yes, I do mean run..so there I was the crazy woman running through the parks..seems like I do that at least once each trip)

I arrived at City Hall to find nothing had been turned in. Now though, I really needed to get a hold of my family. I know we had traveled with the kids without cell phones before, but how???? The cm at City Hall told me that I could use their phone to call Steve. OMG!!! Steve changes his phone number often enough that I haven’t yet memorized it. I just had it IN MY PHONE. After a brief panic, I realized I know Alex’s number by heart. Luckily, he picked up. (he doesn’t always.. nor does Steve for that matter..so keep that in mind)

We decided they would come to the main hub and I would wait for them. knowing it would take them some time, I decided to go to Main Street Bakery to get some water (after all, I ran and it was a warm day and I was very very thirsty now) Main Street Bakery does not have good water, in case anyone is wondering. It tastes just like the WL water. Very sulfury.. YUK. Oh well, it was free and I was dying of thirst. I kept an eye out for my family to start walking down main street but they were not yet there. I decided to go down toward the Confectionary store and take a peak.

Look at all these holiday goodies!

The guys showed up just as the parade was gong to start so i could not cross over to them or they to me. Which meant one good thing happened... we got to watch the entire parade!!! Sadly though, I didn’t get any pictures.

Once back together we decided to head back to WL for some lunch. (yes, technically the guys only just arrived long enough to ride 2 rides) It was a good lunch though. As small as Roaring Fork is, it has some of my favorite counter service food. Steve had the california rolls

and a Christmas magic cookie bar.

Zoe and I split a tuna sandwich (which is even better than the one that CHH has)

and what is now my all time favorite cupcake in the world... a smores cupcake.

I am not sure what Alex had. I did not right it down and there is not a picture. I suspect he went ahead to go swim since that is the next thing we did.

After a swim, we got ready to go back to MK.

Next Chapter: Seriously, How Did We Survive?

 

[dizneeat]

Yikes about forgetting your phone! But then it happens so easily - you put it down and it slips your memory completey. Been there, done that!
But at least you realized soon enough!

And you got to watch the parade!

Lunch at RF looks yummy - we need to check that out in the summer! Oh, I completely forgot about the Smores Cupcake! Well, something else I will have to try in the summer.

Thanks for another great update, Ann ..... and I love that photo of Zoe running up the path!

 

[MEK]

I'm subbing to your TR because I noticed that you and I were at the world around the same time. However, my trip was not nearly as long as yours. Your daughter is adorable!

 

[Woth2982]

Ohhhh all those goodies are making my mouth water! I am looking forward to going back for some nummy baked goods! I cannot believe how dead your morning was! I am amazed at how much you got done! Steve and Alex sound a lot like my dad. He would rather be anywhere than in a Disney crowd! Although he is very intrigued by the idea of the food and wine festival.

 

[annmarieda]

Yikes about forgetting your phone! But then it happens so easily - you put it down and it slips your memory completey. Been there, done that!
But at least you realized soon enough!

And you got to watch the parade!

Lunch at RF looks yummy - we need to check that out in the summer! Oh, I completely forgot about the Smores Cupcake! Well, something else I will have to try in the summer.

Thanks for another great update, Ann ..... and I love that photo of Zoe running up the path!

I can't remember what parade it was. I would think the celebrate it street party, but I can't be 100% sure.

Lunch at RF was good. That cupcake is just too good. I actually came home and recreated it... but I didn't have a double boiler so I had to fake the frosting...which just didn't make it completely right.

I'm subbing to your TR because I noticed that you and I were at the world around the same time. However, my trip was not nearly as long as yours. Your daughter is adorable!

Thanks so much. I think Zoe is cute.. but I am biased of course. I am so glad you decided to join in! It is always nice to make new disfriends

Ohhhh all those goodies are making my mouth water! I am looking forward to going back for some nummy baked goods! I cannot believe how dead your morning was! I am amazed at how much you got done! Steve and Alex sound a lot like my dad. He would rather be anywhere than in a Disney crowd! Although he is very intrigued by the idea of the food and wine festival.

Yes... Steve is intrigued by food and wine too. Sadly, he will have to wait to go until our 25 year anniversary...meanwhile, the girls and I will go

 

[shocky5]

Caught up! Great updates! I'm anxious to hear the rest of the phone story... because I know we texted beyond that date... I'm trying to remember if you had to get another one...

I'm sorry LC was so bad! We've been there once, for lunch, and it was good. I know Erin fell in love with that smore dessert. But it was edible.

I loved the picture of Alex and Zoe walking off hand in hand. So precious!!

And by the way... I think I love Zach's favorite pie from the pie goddess, too... tollhouse sounds heavenly!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Hey, Zoe and I have the same pink converse!

Oh no, I hope you got your phone back soon!! Too bad it wasn't just still on the bench where you had left it!

Your lunch at Roaring Forks looks really good! I haven't tried one of the s'mores cupcakes yet, but I think I might have to now!!

 

[MEK]

I just finished day 3 - ugh for leaving Zoe's meds on the plane. So glad you were able to get them refilled and delivered without incident.

I hope things are going well with Zoe and her catheter situation. I can only imagine your frustration with her cap. I'm so glad that you did not have to cancel your trip after her surgery and infection. I can only imagine how unsettling that must have been.

Zoe looks beautiful after her BBB visit and it sounds like you had a wonderful time at the Christmas party despite the rain.

 

[tinacaplan]

I love that picture of Zoe on Tom Sawyer Island...her running off with her dress hitched up, showing her pink converse. Too cute! Glad you found your phone and that it all worked out.

 

[annmarieda]

Caught up! Great updates! I'm anxious to hear the rest of the phone story... because I know we texted beyond that date... I'm trying to remember if you had to get another one...

You will just have to wait to read. I don't tend to leave off with a cliffhanger... but there ya go.

I'm sorry LC was so bad! We've been there once, for lunch, and it was good. I know Erin fell in love with that smore dessert. But it was edible.

I wish it has not been like it was. I am not sure if the crowd level impacted quality or if it were my own expectations, but across the board none of the restaurants seemed quite as good as I had experienced in the past.

I loved the picture of Alex and Zoe walking off hand in hand. So precious!!

Thank you

And by the way... I think I love Zach's favorite pie from the pie goddess, too... tollhouse sounds heavenly!

It was very yummy.

Hey, Zoe and I have the same pink converse!

Zoe loves shoes. I am amazed she doesn't have more cons but she has just the one pair..

Oh no, I hope you got your phone back soon!! Too bad it wasn't just still on the bench where you had left it!

I wish it had been on the bench too... or turned in... or anything. Being without a phone in WDW SUCKS!

Your lunch at Roaring Forks looks really good! I haven't tried one of the s'mores cupcakes yet, but I think I might have to now!!

I think what I like most about it is the texture. It must have real graham crackers in the batter (like when I tried to reproduce the cupcake, that is what I did) It gives the cupcake a very unique texture.

I just finished day 3 - ugh for leaving Zoe's meds on the plane. So glad you were able to get them refilled and delivered without incident.

I was so grateful to all the cm's that helped in that. It was amazing how easy it was to get that prescription.

I hope things are going well with Zoe and her catheter situation. I can only imagine your frustration with her cap. I'm so glad that you did not have to cancel your trip after her surgery and infection. I can only imagine how unsettling that must have been.

Thank you, things are actually (where is some wood for me to knock on) going pretty well right now. For the first time in months she did not require me to go to the school yesterday. It still worries me a tad because I don't want her (or the nurse) doing damage (which I suspect is what got us into the predicament we were in, in December)

Zoe looks beautiful after her BBB visit and it sounds like you had a wonderful time at the Christmas party despite the rain.

Thank you, it was an amazing time! Well, the party wasn't quite so amazing but yes we had a nice time!

I love that picture of Zoe on Tom Sawyer Island...her running off with her dress hitched up, showing her pink converse. Too cute!

I think that is what I like about that picture... her holding her dress up and running up the steps.

Glad you found your phone and that it all worked out.

but I didn't say that I found my phone and it worked out. At least I have not written about how it all turned out yet in my TR. I will get to it soon... not leave you hanging. However... it really was not fun....and I really wish it had been simpler than it was.

 

[annmarieda]

Now, I had to come somewhere to vent a bit. Maybe I shouldn't at all... and it really is stupid so I shouldn't.

So as some of you know I love dis and have totally stood up for it on a fb group where I left..ended up getting some other of my disfriends kicked off... it was just a mess. I just couldn't see how anyone would ever think that people, at least those who post regularly on dis are not nice. Sure, are there the occasional trolls who sign up and post just to stir things up? yes, but those are not the dis veterans. (at least I didn't think)

So fast forward to me posting a reply to a thread where my intention was to help someone. Basically, the person has 3 boys very close in age..two of whom are twins. The oldest however is now an adult on the dp. She called to change the ages of her twins so that they too could eat what big brother was eating. Well, she was told no way, no how. As we all know..sometimes cm's on those calls are not always...let just say perfect. They don't always have all the information.

So I posted to say I was able to do it for dd in December and then recently I did it again for my next trip. I mentioned I was totally up front about her age with the cm. That both times, both cms told me it was something they do and rather encouraged it.

Well, somehow this turned into me doing the equivalent to booking a phantom guest to get "extra" dinning credits. At one point I was told I only care about having Zoe on the dp as and adult if she is "free". Ok, so it is nice to have it free, but she doesn't eat off the kids menu much if at all when we go out, so... telling her all she has to eat from it while on vacation is just not something easy to do. I want her to have the option to eat what ever she wants (chicken nuggets or steak)... so in all fairness, while it is nice to have it added for free... I would pay for her to be an adult too.

anyway... I unsubbed to that thread. i shouldn't have engaged before, but I felt that I had to explain myself and stand up for myself. The recent comment about how booking a 7 year old as a 10 year old is no different than booking a phantom guest is just ... well... mean and I figure there is not amount of discussion that will fist that point of view.

So I had to vent a bit here. I hope you all know that my phantom child does bring money to Disney (which was another concern of some of theirs since I am "cheating money out of Disney's pockets") I mean, Zoe will likely have another session at BBB... and a number of other oop events/expenses.

So... thanks for listening.

 

[MEK]

So I had to vent a bit here. I hope you all know that my phantom child does bring money to Disney (which was another concern of some of theirs since I am "cheating money out of Disney's pockets") I mean, Zoe will likely have another session at BBB... and a number of other oop events/expenses.

So... thanks for listening.

Your experience is exactly why I never stray far from the TR boards. There are way too many nit picky, self righteous people on those threads and its way too easy to get flamed for something innocent.

I think most of those nasty people just need to get a life.

I remember this one poor woman saying she booked a late CP meal on the night of a Christmas party (which she had every right to do because it was still pre party) and by the time she had finished her meal and was leaving the restaurant she caught about 10 or 15 minutes of the Christmas parade on her way out.

OMG - You would have thought she made conterfit tickets or created mass murder or something. The ridicule was unrelenting. Once one naysayer starts, a bunch more will jump on the bandwagon. It's not healthy to spend too much time over there.

I had a GF who honestly thought two people could share a 4 day disney ticket. Her niece used it for two days and then her husband arrived (after the niece left) and used the rest of it. I remember thinking - you better never go anywhere near the DIS boards with that info or someone may take a contract out on your head.

 

[dizneeat]

Now, I had to come somewhere to vent a bit. Maybe I shouldn't at all... and it really is stupid so I shouldn't.

So as some of you know I love dis and have totally stood up for it on a fb group where I left..ended up getting some other of my disfriends kicked off... it was just a mess. I just couldn't see how anyone would ever think that people, at least those who post regularly on dis are not nice. Sure, are there the occasional trolls who sign up and post just to stir things up? yes, but those are not the dis veterans. (at least I didn't think)

So fast forward to me posting a reply to a thread where my intention was to help someone. Basically, the person has 3 boys very close in age..two of whom are twins. The oldest however is now an adult on the dp. She called to change the ages of her twins so that they too could eat what big brother was eating. Well, she was told no way, no how. As we all know..sometimes cm's on those calls are not always...let just say perfect. They don't always have all the information.

So I posted to say I was able to do it for dd in December and then recently I did it again for my next trip. I mentioned I was totally up front about her age with the cm. That both times, both cms told me it was something they do and rather encouraged it.

Well, somehow this turned into me doing the equivalent to booking a phantom guest to get "extra" dinning credits. At one point I was told I only care about having Zoe on the dp as and adult if she is "free". Ok, so it is nice to have it free, but she doesn't eat off the kids menu much if at all when we go out, so... telling her all she has to eat from it while on vacation is just not something easy to do. I want her to have the option to eat what ever she wants (chicken nuggets or steak)... so in all fairness, while it is nice to have it added for free... I would pay for her to be an adult too.

anyway... I unsubbed to that thread. i shouldn't have engaged before, but I felt that I had to explain myself and stand up for myself. The recent comment about how booking a 7 year old as a 10 year old is no different than booking a phantom guest is just ... well... mean and I figure there is not amount of discussion that will fist that point of view.

So I had to vent a bit here. I hope you all know that my phantom child does bring money to Disney (which was another concern of some of theirs since I am "cheating money out of Disney's pockets") I mean, Zoe will likely have another session at BBB... and a number of other oop events/expenses.

So... thanks for listening.

Ann, I read that thread yesterday and some posters on there are just plain rude! I thought about posting as I know where some of the thinking went wrong, but when I read how they reacted to your post I just kept my mouth shut!
Some threads just "explode" in your face ....don't know why it happens.

I guess that lady is stuck with her kids being on the reservation as kids though, as she booked with Disney UK and they do NOT change anything. When she was told it wasn't done, it's the truth, it is NOT done.
I wanted to upgrade to a more expensive resort a few years ago and I had to pay a 50 pound!! fee to change it and make it more expensive than ever!

Guess many overlooked the fact she was from the UK!

As for you .... we leave SO much money at Disney, that changing Zoe to an adult is just a little reward for our loyalty!

 

[momabaarjo]

Ann....I guess you have now experienced the trolls that we kept hearing about on that facebook group...you know the posts where everyone on the DIS is like that! Those of us who know you know your heart...

I am so sorry...but did you not end up paying more for Zoe being considered an adult on the dining plan? Don't let it worry you...you did not cheat Disney out of anything. I would think rather the opposite, you gave Disney more $$$. Now if she was 10 and you booked her as a child...hmmm, there is a problem.

It has been ages since I got on anything but my subscription list...

 

[annmarieda]

Your experience is exactly why I never stray far from the TR boards. There are way too many nit picky, self righteous people on those threads and its way too easy to get flamed for something innocent.

I think most of those nasty people just need to get a life.

I remember this one poor woman saying she booked a late CP meal on the night of a Christmas party (which she had every right to do because it was still pre party) and by the time she had finished her meal and was leaving the restaurant she caught about 10 or 15 minutes of the Christmas parade on her way out.

OMG - You would have thought she made conterfit tickets or created mass murder or something. The ridicule was unrelenting. Once one naysayer starts, a bunch more will jump on the bandwagon. It's not healthy to spend too much time over there.

I had a GF who honestly thought two people could share a 4 day disney ticket. Her niece used it for two days and then her husband arrived (after the niece left) and used the rest of it. I remember thinking - you better never go anywhere near the DIS boards with that info or someone may take a contract out on your head.

I guess I learned a lesson... but really I was only trying to help. If it were not for so many nice people helping me along the way I would not have learned all I have. I think what I am going to take away from it is not to take it personal. (which I totally did) Maybe if I post to help... I will post and then not sub. I know someone asked a question today on another thread I am sub'd to and I thought for a second about giving a quick reply but felt a bit "shy" to do so. I will get over it though.

I wish those who jump on people like that could just see that thing are complicated and not always as cut and dry as they would like to think. That lady seeing a bit of the parade... ok, so she didn't pay for a ticket to the party. But... she was only there because she had a legit reason. It isn't like she could go "pooof" and be out of the park. I try and play by the rules and the rules in that case do say you need a ticket to stay... so I would have made my way out quick...but really why do some take it so personal? It wasn't like she was hiding out in a bush somewhere.

Ann, I read that thread yesterday and some posters on there are just plain rude! I thought about posting as I know where some of the thinking went wrong, but when I read how they reacted to your post I just kept my mouth shut!
Some threads just "explode" in your face ....don't know why it happens.

I guess that lady is stuck with her kids being on the reservation as kids though, as she booked with Disney UK and they do NOT change anything. When she was told it wasn't done, it's the truth, it is NOT done.
I wanted to upgrade to a more expensive resort a few years ago and I had to pay a 50 pound!! fee to change it and make it more expensive than ever!

Guess many overlooked the fact she was from the UK!

As for you .... we leave SO much money at Disney, that changing Zoe to an adult is just a little reward for our loyalty!

I think the moderator did realize that she was from UK and so that is where the issue is. Then there is the suggestion she cancel all together and rebook... not sure if that works or not. But... I am sure that those on there will take it to a bad place and tell her how dishonest that is. Ya know... I think that is what gets me is I feel like I play by the rules. If a cm told me this time that the policy changed and Disney doesn't allow it period..paying for it or not... I would have to live with it. I wouldn't lie about her age. It also wasn't like I was trying to add her as a kid when she wasn't. I have always bought her a ticket even when we went only a couple months after the cut off. I didn't try and scam disney.

Ann....I guess you have now experienced the trolls that we kept hearing about on that facebook group...you know the posts where everyone on the DIS is like that! Those of us who know you know your heart...

I am so sorry...but did you not end up paying more for Zoe being considered an adult on the dining plan? Don't let it worry you...you did not cheat Disney out of anything. I would think rather the opposite, you gave Disney more $$$. Now if she was 10 and you booked her as a child...hmmm, there is a problem.

It has been ages since I got on anything but my subscription list...

I did end up paying a little more. However the person on the thread validly brought up that even though I paid a tad more for her park ticket ($17) I got way more value out of the "free" food. So that is where I cheated Disney out of some cash. I tried to make the point that Disney's profit margin varies per family. Some will use more resources at the resort than others (ie longer showers, more towels, more bedding etc)... some will use all their credits from fd while others will let some go to waste. Others still will use credits on say cups of coffee or doritos instead of $4 snacks. It isn't just as easy as I got more value out of my package cause I "cheated" Which....I don't feel I did since I have each time told the cm Zoe's age. I don't know... I think maybe we all just have slightly different moral compasses. I know I would not go in the other direction (say she was younger than 10 when she was older just to get a cheaper child ticket) I remember back before 911 when air travel was not so complicated. There was a deal that kids flew free to DL. Only if they were 11 or younger. Well, even though we had enough adults in our party (you got one free kid for each adult) Kira was 12 and so many people told me I should just say she is 11. I couldn't do that. Then I was told I was stupid for spending more money than I needed to. So.. everyone has an opinion... and it isn't always going to mesh with my own. If I were to get a call from Disney saying that they changed their policy and unless Zoe truly was 10 we would have to rebook and list her as 7... guess what? I would rebook and list her as 7. Bottom line is... Disney didn't have a problem so why do these other people. And phantom person? Really? Why on earth would they think it was just like that? I mean... like I mentioned... Zoe will do bbb (an adult wouldn't so theres more money for Disney) Zoe will want other souveniers and while we don't spend a lot on them... it is still more cash beyond the package price. So the "extras" that she will spend will be way more than what a phantom person would.

 

[dizneeat]

I think the moderator did realize that she was from UK and so that is where the issue is. Then there is the suggestion she cancel all together and rebook... not sure if that works or not. But... I am sure that those on there will take it to a bad place and tell her how dishonest that is. Ya know... I think that is what gets me is I feel like I play by the rules. If a cm told me this time that the policy changed and Disney doesn't allow it period..paying for it or not... I would have to live with it. I wouldn't lie about her age. It also wasn't like I was trying to add her as a kid when she wasn't. I have always bought her a ticket even when we went only a couple months after the cut off. I didn't try and scam disney.

To cancel and rebook would cause her to lose her deposit (which is 200 or 300pounds ..... ) It would outweigh ANY discount!
Guess she is just stuck with the kids menus for the twins.

As for you ..... you didn't try to take advantage of Disney - you had to pay for Zoe's adult ticket and she had HER meals ..... it's not like you would pay for her OOP for a kid's meal and then use her credits for someone else.
As long as you are able to book it, it should be okay.
Don't worry any more Ann.
Just look forward to your next Disney trip and let's all hope we don't run into the people who see a problem in anything!

 

[annmarieda]

To cancel and rebook would cause her to lose her deposit (which is 200 or 300pounds ..... ) It would outweigh ANY discount!
Guess she is just stuck with the kids menus for the twins.

As for you ..... you didn't try to take advantage of Disney - you had to pay for Zoe's adult ticket and she had HER meals ..... it's not like you would pay for her OOP for a kid's meal and then use her credits for someone else.
As long as you are able to book it, it should be okay.
Don't worry any more Ann.
Just look forward to your next Disney trip and let's all hope we don't run into the people who see a problem in anything!

Ahhh... so that is where all her complications stem from. She can't upgrade cause she already booked and no changes are allowed and she cant cancel cause she would lose her deposit. US residents can change and change and change and even cancel up to 45 days (I think) with no repercussions.

I will take your advice and not worry any more. I just hate to think someone thought I was not being honest. This whole thing has be questioning it though... even down to if its ok for Zoe and I to share a meal and then share a second one (thus getting still getting only 2 meals...and using 2 credits) I dont know.. I guess I will have to think if it is better to get two meals at breakfast (throw some out) and then do the same at lunch or if it is better to share. It is all very confusing and I only want to do what is right.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I'm sorry that you are feeling bad because of other people not seeing your true intentions. That is one of the biggest causes of angst for me. I never think the bad feeling will go away, but thankfully it always does.

My friend is beside herself because her son has pertussis. Her friend is making her feel really bad that their sons played together. It is so unkind; she did not have malice in her heart. She just did not know.

I missed your CP update and went back and read it. That was the night we arrived at Pop. Twenty four hours after you, I was enjoying that wonderful show!

I am excited for the next two days' updates. I don't think we crossed paths at all, but I will be scanning your photos closely... =)

Keep up with the walking/ jogging. It will get easier in no time!

 

[MEK]

I will take your advice and not worry any more. I just hate to think someone thought I was not being honest. This whole thing has be questioning it though...

Something tells me that some of the people here who cry "foul" and "dishonesty" probably have some of the biggest issues and are probably incredibly dishonest people in their real personal lives. I don't know why I think that, but I do. Someday they will have a psychological diagnosis for this. I'm serious. There are people who just stalk the internet to create trouble. Have you ever seen some of the comments people post on youtube?

I am a lot like you. I am super conscientious in real life and this kind of stuff gets to me because I can't imagine cyber bullying someone even if I am anonymous. People bully to improve their own self esteem because they don't have any.

You are in the right. Everything you did was legit. Enjoy your trip and your planning.